The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has moved to strengthen internal discipline, operational accountability and intelligence-sharing, warning senior officers against abuse of authority and unauthorised disclosure of sensitive information on social media.
The warning followed an emergency strategic security meeting convened on Wednesday, October 21, by the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, with Assistant Commissioners of Police, Divisional Police Officers, tactical commanders, heads of departments and other senior officers.
The meeting focused on prevailing security concerns and measures to improve crime prevention, intelligence gathering, patrol operations, emergency response and supervision of personnel across the state.
Azare directed officers in command positions to demonstrate effective leadership, remain vigilant and ensure prompt, coordinated responses to security threats within their areas of responsibility.
He stressed that operational effectiveness must go hand in hand with professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights, insisting that arrests, searches, investigations and other police duties must comply with the law.
The commissioner specifically warned against extortion, abuse of authority, negligence and dereliction of duty, noting that such conduct could undermine public confidence in the police.
As part of efforts to improve operational coordination, divisional police officers, tactical commanders and departmental heads were directed to strengthen communication among personnel, promptly report security developments and maintain effective supervision of their teams.
The Command also placed renewed emphasis on intelligence-led policing, information-sharing and sustained monitoring of identified security flashpoints and vulnerable locations.
Another key issue addressed was compliance with the Nigeria Police Force’s social media policy, in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
Azare cautioned officers against publishing or circulating official documents, internal communications, operational details, photographs, videos and other sensitive materials without authorisation.
He warned that online activities capable of compromising security operations, breaching confidentiality or bringing the Force into disrepute would attract disciplinary action in accordance with applicable police regulations.
The commissioner urged senior officers to ensure that the resolutions reached at the meeting translated into improved discipline, stronger accountability and more effective policing across their respective commands.
The Command also appealed to residents to provide timely and credible information on suspicious activities and potential security threats to support crime prevention and the maintenance of peace.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday, October 23, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, on behalf of the commissioner.
